Chapter 73.1
Stage 3-6. Alice And The Abs Challenge
“This also serves as a reward from the king to Ouga. Since you’ve already declined the title, you might as well graciously accept this to save face for His Majesty.”
Noticing my hesitation, my father offered this additional explanation.
It seems there was no escape route prepared from the start…
Just the other day, I had formally declined the conferral of a title through my father.
The reason was simple. Titles have no place in the freedom I seek.
“I understand. I will strive to meet His Majesty’s expectations.”
“Hahaha! The king will be pleased. I’m also proud to see my son chosen for such an honorable position.”
Beaming with joy, my father gave my shoulder a few hearty pats.
“I will personally explain the location of the Forbidden Archive later. You’re likely still recovering from the battles. Take some time to relax.”
“I’ll gladly take you up on that offer.”
“Reina, if anything troubles you, please tell me. No need to hold back.”
“Thank you for your concern, but I’m fine. If I’m with Ouga, that’s more than enough for me.”
“Hahaha! Is that so? …It may not be long before I see grandchildren.”
I couldn’t catch whatever my father mumbled next, but Reina didn’t seem to notice either, so it likely wasn’t important.
“Ouga-sama, Reina-sama, dinner is ready. Please join us in the dining hall.”
“Perfect timing. Both of you should eat plenty. I’ll be heading out shortly as well.”
With that, my father stood, draped his coat over his shoulders, and prepared to leave.
It seemed the discussion had concluded.
As we turned to leave, my father called out, “Ouga.”
“I’ll continue investigating the nobles connected to Reina’s situation for a while longer. This is the final stage. Once I’ve reviewed everything, we’ll devise a countermeasure against Frone. The Vellet family will fully support you, Ouga.”
The expression on his face wasn’t that of Gordon Vellet, the current head of the family, but of a father speaking to his son, Ouga Vellet.
That realization brought me a small sense of happiness.
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